OTTAWA – Today, New Democrat Leader Jack Layton expressed his sadness and disappointment upon hearing of the arrest of General Sarath Fonseka in the capital Colombo and the further weakening of democracy in Sri Lanka.

“What amounts to a brutal kidnapping of a political adversary is not something that should be tolerated or accepted,” said Layton. “New Democrats urge President Mahinda Rajapaksa to abide by the laws of his land and immediately release General Fonseka.”

Layton has worked closely with the Tamil community in Canada, including forcing an emergency debate in the House of Commons, calling for a halt to deportations to Sri Lanka and expediting family visas and refugee claims.

“Sri Lanka has gone through enough turmoil and chaos – its citizens deserve a government that respects the rule of law and is willing to re-establish democracy for all people,” said Layton. “This is a time for reconciliation and justice; a time for peace and stability. President Rajapaksa needs to play a vital role and work to make Sri Lanka equitable and sustainable.”

The New Democrat Scarborough-Rouge River candidate Rathika Sitsabaiesan, said Canada must send a message to Sri Lanka, and do more to stabilize the country.

“Many Canadians have relatives in Sri Lanka and are worried about their safety,” said Sitsabaiesan. “Canada must use the full power of all available channels, including the United Nations and the Commonwealth, to ensure Sri Lanka doesn’t continue to spiral out of control.”